FUTURE STUDENTS

With a strong emphasis on social responsibility and civic engagement, the
master of arts in public service administration is a graduate degree program
that gives students the skills necessary to effectively and compassionately confront
the challenges of today's metropolitan environment and its diverse populations.
Unique to the program is its focus on social justice, public policy and
regulation in urban governmental environments.

Weeknight classes with a blend of online and on-campus learning

Professors and instructors who are experts in their fields and can give students
career guidance and offer real-world application of the information learned
in class

Hands-on professional training in public service with one of the following
areas of specialization to match students' professional interests:

"I was offered a position at an ambitious nonprofit
charter school just a month after I completed the master's program. My
experience definitely gave me a real sense of confidence navigating through the
operational issues we face as a startup nonprofit—be they managerial, legal,
financial or human capital in nature."

Jim Otepka,
'07, Dean of Students, Carmen High School of Science and Technology,
Milwaukee

Learning Outcomes

Apply public service concepts to a community issue.

Identify ethical issues and apply ethical principles, values, theories or
frameworks to public service practice.

Demonstrate the cultural and communication skills necessary to interact in a
reciprocal exchange that honors the human dignity of all people.

Apply theory and principles of group dynamics that assist in solving complex
urban problems.

Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to issues in public
service.

Course Work

Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours (12 classes),
including:

One of three six-credit-hour integrated learning options—a professional
project, a research article of publishable quality or additional course work
followed by a comprehensive exam.

Students must choose one of the three specializations offered.

In addition to class time, students spend an average of 12 hours a week on
course work outside of class for every three-credit course.

Full-time students taking three classes a semester can complete the program
in as few as two years. Part-time students, on average, complete the program in
three to four years. Students must complete the program in six years.